What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a form of stress. Small amounts of stress are normal, including children. Even moderate amount of stress can be positive and motivating. However, prolonged stress — excessive worrying, confusion, panic — can be overwhelming and unhealthy.
According to Mental Health America of Lancaster County, “The anxiety that can take over someone’s daily life can be categorized as General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Phobias, and one of the most understood anxiety disorders — Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Tips for Parents to Help your Child Reduce their Anxiety
As a parent, it is important to remember that your child’s anxiety disorder diagnosis is not the result of poor parenting. However, the diagnosis may add additional stress to your life, so it can be very helpful to surround yourself with a community of family and friends who can support you.
- Listen to your child’s feelings
- Model calm behavior for your child when he/she becomes anxious
- Praise your child regularly for his/her accomplishments
- Be flexible and try to maintain a normal routine
- Modify expectations during stressful times
- Try to slow down your pace and allow for more time
Interested in learning more about anxiety or local resources in Lancaster County? Please contact Lancaster Osteopathic Health Foundation today.
